Astros’ Porter big on teachable moments

Shortly after Jonathan Villar sprinted in with the winning run on Trevor Crowe’s walkoff single Wednesday afternoon, Astros manager Bo Porter hugged his speedy young shortstop in the same manner a dad would embrace his child.

It had been less than 24 hours since Porter yanked Villar for a foolish running mistake during Tuesday’s 12-inning loss. Now Villar was rejoicing with his manager and teammates at Minute Maid Park after the Astros beat the Minnesota Twins 6-5.

“It was outstanding,” Porter said. “I went over, and I gave him a hug and told him, ‘I’m very proud of you.’ That’s maturity in less than 24 hours.

“A lot of guys would hang their head and say, ‘Poor old me — I got taken out of the game.’ He didn’t handle it that way at all. And I said just last night that I really felt like he was going to handle it the right way. And he came out today and literally showed that he handled it the right way. He took ownership of it and told me it will never happen again and that he understands where the scoreboard is. And he went out today and played great baseball.”

The season was lost long ago, perhaps as early as April. Yet the lessons continue almost daily as Porter attempts to establish a winning mentality and work ethic while correcting the kinds of gaffes often associated with young, inexperienced clubs like the Astros.

Just last week, Porter gathered his infielders and outfielders at U.S. Cellular Field and lectured them after Brandon Barnes threw to third base when he should have thrown to second. On Tuesday night, it was Villar’s turn for some tough love. He became the second player Porter pulled from a game early this season as punishment for a mental mistake.

L.J. Hoes also drew a dugout lecture from first-base coach Dave Clark after taking a poor route on a line drive to right during Tuesday’s 9-6 loss. By responding as they did in the series finale Wednesday, the Astros avoided a three-game sweep against the Twins.

The Astros held a 5-4 lead after eight, but Erik Bedard blew the save by giving up Ryan Doumit’s game-tying home run in the top of the ninth. Villar led off the bottom of the inning with a single to center, reached second on Jose Altuve’s sacrifice bunt, and scored on Crowe’s single to seal the victory before a crowd of 14,869.

“I told (Porter) I was going to keep playing my game,” Villar said. “Despite what happened yesterday, he likes for me to play aggressively … so that’s how I’ll play.”

At a time when players on most non-contending teams are planning their hunting and fishing trips, Porter has the Astros essentially fighting for places on next year’s roster.

No tanking allowed

“Many people can look at the number of losses or look at the amount of failure we have experienced as a ballclub,” Porter said. “Some people will basically just tank it in. That’s not going to happen with this group. It’s not going to happen on my watch or the rest of the staff. It’s just not going to happen.”

The Astros are in the midst of their fifth consecutive losing season and are on pace to finish with the worst record in baseball for the third consecutive year. But although they’re likely to surpass their loss totals from 2011 (106) and 2012 (107), there are reasons for optimism if the bullpen can be revamped and made at least serviceable over the winter.

At the same time, the Astros are young and raw. They’re learning on the job at the major league level, and kids are prone to silly mistakes at times.

Such was the case Tuesday when the speedy Villar foolishly attempted to stretch a leadoff single to shallow center field into a double in the third inning. He was still being called out by the umpire when Porter told Marwin Gonzalez to get ready to replace Villar.

“As a young player that’s aggressive, there’s going to be things which happen during the game that sometimes may warrant a conversation during that game,” Porter said. “It may warrant a conversation after the game. That was one of those situations where it was a no-brainer for me that he comes out of the game.”

With the Astros trailing 4-1 and Jarred Cosart laboring, Villar should have known not to risk an out in that situation.

On Wednesday, redemption was sweet.

‘All-Star potential’

“That was huge for him to get on right there in the ninth to lead us off,” Crowe said of Villar. “He’s a kid who really does have All-Star potential. You hear about five-tool players, but he’s one of those guys who can do everything. He’s putting it together. When it comes consistently together every day, he’s going to be a special player.”

Villar and his young teammates must learn, however, when to be more conservative.

“I know a lot of people may look at the number of losses, but I firmly believe that we’re learning how to win,” Porter said. “And when you go through this type of maturation and you have teachable moments and you have things that happen throughout the course of the year, all of these things are going to help us be a better baseball team moving forward.”

Photo: Cody Duty / Chronicle

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Sept. 4: Astros 6, Twins 5

Trevor Crowe makes his way from the bottom of the dog pile after his walk-off hit.

Sept. 4: Astros 6, Twins 5

Trevor Crowe makes his way from the bottom of the dog pile after his walk-off hit.

Photo: Cody Duty / Chronicle

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Trevor Crowe follows through on a walk-off hit to left field.

Trevor Crowe follows through on a walk-off hit to left field.

Photo: Cody Duty / Chronicle

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Second baseman Jose Altuve sprints to first bunting teammate Jonathan Villar to second base during the ninth inning.

Second baseman Jose Altuve sprints to first bunting teammate Jonathan Villar to second base during the ninth inning.

Photo: Cody Duty / Chronicle

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Jose Altuve sprints to first bunting teammate Jonathan Villar to second base during the ninth inning.

Jose Altuve sprints to first bunting teammate Jonathan Villar to second base during the ninth inning.

Photo: Cody Duty / Chronicle

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Relief pitcher Erik Bedard watches as Ryan Doumit, left, rounds the bag after hitting a home run to tie the game during the ninth inning.

Relief pitcher Erik Bedard watches as Ryan Doumit, left, rounds the bag after hitting a home run to tie the game during the ninth inning.

Photo: Cody Duty / Chronicle

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Erik Bedard tosses the ball after giving up a home run.

Erik Bedard tosses the ball after giving up a home run.

Photo: Cody Duty / Chronicle

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Chris Colabello, left, and Chris Herrmann, center, greet teammate Alex Presley, right, after he hit a three-run home run during the third inning.

Chris Colabello, left, and Chris Herrmann, center, greet teammate Alex Presley, right, after he hit a three-run home run during the third inning.

Photo: Cody Duty / Chronicle

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Shortstop Jonathan Villar throws to first base for a double play as Twins left fielder Alex Presley slides unsafely into second base during the first inning.

Shortstop Jonathan Villar throws to first base for a double play as Twins left fielder Alex Presley slides unsafely into second base during the first inning.

Photo: Cody Duty / Chronicle

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Jordan Lyles looks at the scoreboard as Alex Presley, right, rounds the bags after hitting a three-run home run during the third inning.

Jordan Lyles looks at the scoreboard as Alex Presley, right, rounds the bags after hitting a three-run home run during the third inning.

Photo: Cody Duty / Chronicle

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Jordan Lyles wipes his face during the first inning.

Jordan Lyles wipes his face during the first inning.

Photo: Cody Duty / Chronicle

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Sept. 4: Astros 6, Twins 5

Astros starting pitcher Jordan Lyles delivers to a Twins hitter during the first inning.

Sept. 4: Astros 6, Twins 5

Astros starting pitcher Jordan Lyles delivers to a Twins hitter during the first inning.

Photo: Cody Duty / Chronicle

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Twins starting pitcher Liam Hendriks delivers to an Astros hitter during the first inning.

Twins starting pitcher Liam Hendriks delivers to an Astros hitter during the first inning.

Photo: Cody Duty / Chronicle

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Sept. 3: Twins 9, Astros 6 (12)

Astros outfielder Brandon Barnes reacts after being caught stealing home against the Twins during the seventh inning.

Sept. 3: Twins 9, Astros 6 (12)

Astros outfielder Brandon Barnes reacts after being caught stealing home against the Twins during the seventh inning.

Photo: Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle

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Astros outfielder Brandon Barnes is congratulated by teammates Brett Wallace and L.J. Hoes after hitting a three-run home run that tied the game in the ninth inning against the Twins.

Astros outfielder Brandon Barnes is congratulated by teammates Brett Wallace and L.J. Hoes after hitting a three-run home run that tied the game in the ninth inning against the Twins.

Photo: Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle

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Astros shortstop Marwin Gonzalez tries to make a play on defense against the Twins.

Astros shortstop Marwin Gonzalez tries to make a play on defense against the Twins.

Photo: Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle

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Brett Wallace of the Astros reacts after striking out against the Twins.

Brett Wallace of the Astros reacts after striking out against the Twins.

Photo: Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle

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Astros pitcher Jarred Cosart looks on after Brina Dozier of the Twins hit a home run off him.

Astros pitcher Jarred Cosart looks on after Brina Dozier of the Twins hit a home run off him.

Photo: Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle

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Chris Carter of the Astros in congratulated by teammates after hitting a solo home run against the Twins.

Chris Carter of the Astros in congratulated by teammates after hitting a solo home run against the Twins.

Photo: Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle

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Darin Mastroianni of the Twins makes a catch for an out against the Astros.

Darin Mastroianni of the Twins makes a catch for an out against the Astros.

Photo: Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle

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Astros pitcher Jarred Cosart delivers a throw to the Twins.

Astros pitcher Jarred Cosart delivers a throw to the Twins.

Photo: Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle

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Astros pitcher Jarred Cosart delivers a throw to the Twins.

Astros pitcher Jarred Cosart delivers a throw to the Twins.

Photo: Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle

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Twins pitcher Pedro Hernandez delivers a throw to the Astros.

Twins pitcher Pedro Hernandez delivers a throw to the Astros.

Photo: Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle

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Astros shortstop Jonathan Villar is unable to stretch a hit into a double against the Twins.

Astros shortstop Jonathan Villar is unable to stretch a hit into a double against the Twins.

Photo: Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle

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Astros shortstop Jonathan Villar reacts after being thrown out against the Twins.

Astros shortstop Jonathan Villar reacts after being thrown out against the Twins.

Photo: Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle

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Sept. 2: Twins 10, Astros 6

Astros catcher Cody Clark holds on for the tag as Twins designated hitter Josh Willingham is out at home trying to score on a single by Chris Herrmann during the fifth inning.

Sept. 2: Twins 10, Astros 6

Astros catcher Cody Clark holds on for the tag as Twins designated hitter Josh Willingham is out at home trying to score on a single by Chris Herrmann during the fifth inning.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle

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Relief pitcher Chia-Jen Lo hangs his head as Minnesota Twins first baseman Chris Colabello rounds the bases after hitting grand during the ninth inning.

Relief pitcher Chia-Jen Lo hangs his head as Minnesota Twins first baseman Chris Colabello rounds the bases after hitting grand during the ninth inning.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle

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Right fielder Trevor Crowe watches a grand slam off the bat of Twins first baseman Chris Colabello sails over the fence during the ninth inning.

Right fielder Trevor Crowe watches a grand slam off the bat of Twins first baseman Chris Colabello sails over the fence during the ninth inning.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle

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Twins first baseman Chris Colabello is greeted at home by Brian Dozier (2), Chris Herrmann (12) and Doug Bernier (17) after they all scored on his grand during the ninth inning.

Twins first baseman Chris Colabello is greeted at home by Brian Dozier (2), Chris Herrmann (12) and Doug Bernier (17) after they all scored on his grand during the ninth inning.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle

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Relief pitcher Chia-Jen Lo sits in the dugout after surrendering a grand slam to Twins first baseman Chris Colabello during the ninth inning.

Relief pitcher Chia-Jen Lo sits in the dugout after surrendering a grand slam to Twins first baseman Chris Colabello during the ninth inning.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle

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Jose Altuve lies on second base after being thrown out trying to stretch a leadoff single into a double during the ninth inning.

Jose Altuve lies on second base after being thrown out trying to stretch a leadoff single into a double during the ninth inning.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle

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Astros pitcher Lucas Harrell reacts as Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the fifth inning.

Astros pitcher Lucas Harrell reacts as Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the fifth inning.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle

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Twins outfielder Clete Thomas is safe at second base as Astros second baseman Jose Altuve tries to make the play as he advanced on a fielding error by center fielder Brandon Barnes during the fourth inning.

Twins outfielder Clete Thomas is safe at second base as Astros second baseman Jose Altuve tries to make the play as he advanced on a fielding error by center fielder Brandon Barnes during the fourth inning.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle

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Astros center fielder Brandon Barnes commits a fielding error allowing Twins outfielder Clete Thomas to advance to second base on a single during the fourth inning.

Astros center fielder Brandon Barnes commits a fielding error allowing Twins outfielder Clete Thomas to advance to second base on a single during the fourth inning.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Right fielder Trevor Crowe looks on as a home run by Minnesota Twins first baseman Chris Colabello lands in the Astros bullpen during the fourth inning.

Right fielder Trevor Crowe looks on as a home run by Minnesota Twins first baseman Chris Colabello lands in the Astros bullpen during the fourth inning.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle

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Astros catcher Jason Castro departs the game due to a knee injury after an RBI single in the second inning.

Astros catcher Jason Castro departs the game due to a knee injury after an RBI single in the second inning.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle

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Astros catcher Jason Castro is checked on by manager Bo Porter, right, and head athletic trainer Nate Lucero before he departed the game due to a knee injury after an RBI single in the second inning.

Astros catcher Jason Castro is checked on by manager Bo Porter, right, and head athletic trainer Nate Lucero before he departed the game due to a knee injury after an RBI single in the second inning.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle

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Twins third baseman Trevor Plouffe can't make the play as he dives for an RBI single off the bat of Jason Castro during the second inning.

Twins third baseman Trevor Plouffe can't make the play as he dives for an RBI single off the bat of Jason Castro during the second inning.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle

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Paul Clemens delivers during the first inning.

Paul Clemens delivers during the first inning.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle

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Twins third baseman Trevor Plouffe applies the tag as Jonathan Villar is caught off third base during the second inning.

Twins third baseman Trevor Plouffe applies the tag as Jonathan Villar is caught off third base during the second inning.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle

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Twins starting pitcher Andrew Albers works during the first inning.

Twins starting pitcher Andrew Albers works during the first inning.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Chronicle

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Astros manager Bo Porter and first baseman Chris Carter watch the action from the top step of the dugout during the first inning.

Astros manager Bo Porter and first baseman Chris Carter watch the action from the top step of the dugout during the first inning.